Global health impact

THE SCIENCE

WHAT'S ALARMING

This graph presents health impacts from climate change and the potential for risk reduction through mitigation and adaptation. The width of each slice represents the importance in terms of global burden on health. The image in the painting focuses on the years 2080-2100, assuming (absent urgent aggressive countervailing efforts) global mean temperature increase of 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

The words on the image represent some of the various health impacts: heat stroke; exacerbation of heart, respiratory and kidney conditions; injuries from floods and fires; malnutrition; water and food-borned infections; diarrhea; mental and stress related illnesses; unsafe outdoor activity conditions. All of these pose special risks for women, children, elderly and the poor.